Alfredo Iranzo (AICIA): ‘Our approach allows us to always adjust to the real needs of the market’.

Since 1982, the Asociación de Investigación y Cooperación Industrial de Andalucía (AICIA), has been cooperating with different industrial sectors, tackling booming trends such as green hydrogen. A Alfredo Iranzo, Researcher at the AICIA Thermotechnology Group, explains them to us.

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Interview published in AutoRevista 2.402

AutoRevista.-  Taking into account the lines of activity of AICIA, how can it contribute to the use and production of renewable hydrogen in the different automotive segments?

Alfredo Iranzo.- The Research Association and Industrial Cooperation of Andalusia, due to its lines of activity focused on engineering, energy and transport, is contributing to applied research and technological development in various hydrogen technologies, leading and participating in R&D&I projects for the production of green hydrogen by electrolysis, developing more efficient and economical systems. 

AICIA can collaborate with the industrial fabric in the development of equipment and systems such as more efficient and durable fuel cells (for application in segments such as light vehicles and heavy duty transport), technologies of higher performance electrolysers such as AEM or SOEL, and in the adaptation of existing platforms for operation with hydrogen. In addition, given the centre's links with the Higher Technical School of Engineering of the University of Seville, it enables it to contribute to the technical training of engineers specialising in hydrogen technologies, and to facilitate the transfer of knowledge to industry.

AR.- What is the specific value contribution of AICIA to the H2ENRY project? 

A.I.- AICIA brings its experience in engineering, training and technological development, contributing to the advancement of renewable hydrogen as a key energy vector for the decarbonisation of the economy. Together with ITE, we lead one of the branches of the project with training and talent recruitment activities, with the aim of training professionals and promoting specialisation in this emerging field. We actively participate in the research and development of solutions generating knowledge in solid oxide electrolysis technology (SOEC), promoting collaboration and technology transfer to industry.  As members of the H2ENRY network, we collaborate with the rest of the Technology Centres in strengthening national capabilities in hydrogen technologies, promoting knowledge transfer and the implementation of sustainable solutions in Spanish industry.

AR.- How do you ensure that the developments related to hydrogen technologies on which AICIA is working respond to the real needs of the market?

A.I.- AICIA has been working in close cooperation with industry since 1982, with the aim of promoting, favouring and developing industrial research, and its activity has always been focused on covering the real needs that industry has demanded over time. This approach allows AICIA's activities to be adjusted at all times to the real needs of the market and industry, in which hydrogen technologies, which have been developed in AICIA for more than 20 years, have taken on significant relevance and impetus in recent years. Participation in strategic projects such as H2ENRY is a very relevant boost to collaboration and transfer with companies in the sector.

AR.- From your experience in collaborative projects, what type of alliances do you consider most effective for accelerating the adoption of renewable hydrogen in the automotive industry?

A.I.- We believe that the most effective partnerships to accelerate this change are those that integrate actors from the entire value chain, those that combine technological, industrial and regulatory capabilities. We would highlight public-private consortiums that include research centres, universities, technologists and vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers, etc., as they enable comprehensive projects to be tackled, from the competitive and sustainable production of hydrogen to its final application in vehicles. Partnerships with the energy sector industry are important to promote the supply of green hydrogen and to develop refuelling infrastructures. Organisations such as Hydrogen Europe and Hydrogen Europe Research, as well as technology clusters, enable collaboration to be fostered, solutions to be scaled and Spanish industry and technology centres to be positioned at the forefront.